Students at the University of Ghana are set to stage a march and rally on Friday, October 30, 2026, to protest rising accommodation fees and what they describe as the commercialisation of student housing.
The demonstration is being organised by the #SaveTheUniversity Movement, Students for Accommodation and Concerned Students of Ghana, under the theme “End Student Exploitation Now!”
In a press statement issued on Sunday, October 25, the groups said continuing students were being asked to pay at least GH¢5,000, with some accommodation fees reaching GH¢8,000, to secure residential places on campus.
They accused the University of prioritising revenue generation over students’ welfare, arguing that access to accommodation at a public institution should not become a financial burden that undermines students’ education.
The groups also raised concerns about the conversion of traditional halls into facilities managed by the University of Ghana Enterprise Limited (UGEL), which they claim charge higher fees.
They further criticised the university’s “In-Out-Out-Out” accommodation policy, saying it leaves continuing students without residential facilities.
According to the statement, students who manage to secure places in halls continue to face water shortages, overcrowding and poor sanitation.
The organisers also expressed concern about extended-stay charges imposed on graduate students who require additional time on campus to complete their research and academic work.
The groups questioned the status of a proposed 10,000-bed prefabricated hostel for the University, which they said the President was reported to have announced in January 2026, with factory equipment expected from Singapore.
More than nine months after the reported announcement, the organisers said students wanted clarity on the project’s progress.
They also called for details of accommodation plans for the 12 new universities announced by the Minister of Education.
Demands for reversal of fee increases
The groups are demanding an immediate freeze and reversal of all fee increases, particularly residential accommodation charges.
They are also calling for an end to extended-stay fees for graduate students and the publication of a detailed breakdown of all fees, including the authorities responsible for approving them.
Other demands include a funded plan to improve residential, study and working conditions on campus, as well as open forums organised by all Junior Common Rooms (JCRs) to allow hostel residents to debate the accommodation fee increases and adopt a collective resolution.
“Accommodation is not a luxury! Education is not a business! Students are not revenue streams!” the groups declared in the statement.
March details
The march is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 30, at the Okponglo Gate taxi station, with participants expected to proceed to the Legon Main Gate for a rally.
The organisers have invited media houses to cover the demonstration and say they are available for interviews before and on the day of the event.
The statement was jointly issued by the #SaveTheUniversity Movement, Students for Accommodation and Concerned Students of Ghana.
By Ishmael Oduro-Acheampong
